Protect your bank account from fraudsters when you shop online

This year’s holiday season is definitely not like the ones that came before. Due to the current situation brought about by COVID-19, many things have changed.

One big change is the way we have to do our Christmas shopping. For now, gone are the days of spending time in the malls to check off gifts from our Christmas lists. It’s now easier and physically safer to do our gift-shopping online through the various popular e-commerce sites. 

But while shopping in person has its risks, that doesn’t mean online shopping is not without its own as well. The dangers of online bank fraud are still all too real. Shoppers should stay alert, especially over the holidays, when bonuses make it more tempting for fraudsters to hit unsuspecting people. 

To keep your accounts safe this Christmas, EastWest’s Chief Information Security & Data Protection Officer, Joey A. Regala, has five tips you should follow:

1.     Look for secure online shops

You won’t have to worry about fraud from online stores if you’re shopping from the most popular e-commerce sites. In case you aren’t, always look for the lock icon in the browser’s URL bar that indicates the site is protected by SSL. If it doesn’t have that icon or there is a “Not Secure” label in the URL bar, it means that site is not protected by SSL—do not buy from the site. 

If you’re not shopping from a well-known e-commerce site, Regala also suggests doing research on the shop you’re buying from and its reputation. 

You should also avoid giving away too much information if you are speaking with the vendor. “Do not overshare, especially in chats with the vendors,” says Regala. “Confidential information such as your address and credentials are protected in the website, but not in the private chats.”

2.     Use official banking apps instead of your mobile browser

It’s safer to use the official banking app instead of your phone’s internet browser to access the bank’s online platform for your mobile banking transactions. Mobile phones have more security features such as biometrics and OTP generators. 

“Mobile apps are more secure since the hacker needs to have the actual mobile phone on hand to get into your account,” says Regala. “This setup is already a form of two-factor authentication, which is something you have.”

EastWest customers can be assured that the official EastWest app is safe for banking, Regala adds. It’s got state-of-the-art security features that will keep accounts protected. You can use it to constantly monitor your bank and credit card accounts, which you should also be doing religiously.

3.     Don’t use public wifi

Although you shouldn’t be spending too much time in public places, there will be days when you just have to go to the mall. If you must be at the mall or anywhere public, do not use the free wifi if you can avoid it. These connections are unsafe, leaving you open to attackers and hackers.

If you must use the public wifi, use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). “If you are not using a VPN, do not access your banking app,” warns Regala.

4.     Protect your internet connection at home

Your home internet connection is also open to risks, even if you keep your wireless connection password-protected. Change your router’s administrative panel password from the default; use a strong and unique password that is hard to guess.

Regala also reminds people to have anti-virus software on all their devices. Keep the software constantly updated and run regular computer scans.

5.     When you receive your delivery, destroy the evidence

Evidence of what, you ask? Just the shipping labels that couriers stick on your package. “Do not just throw it in the garbage,” says Regala. “It contains your name, address, and contact numbers—this information can be used for fraudulent purposes.”

With these safety and security tips, you should be able to have a worry-free holiday season! But should you become a victim of any fraud at any time, don’t hesitate to report the instance to your bank. They can block your cards to prevent further illegal transactions and help you with any of your concerns. Happy holidays!

For more tips on safety and security, visit the EastWest website at eastwestbanker.com, and follow the official Facebook page at facebook.com/eastwestbanker.

Health lessons to learn from the pandemic

The global health crisis brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic caught the world by surprise. With everyone at risk, it just proves that this life-threatening virus knows no borders, age, gender, or race. Yet, it has also put forth important health lessons that AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, wants to help everyone realize:

Don’t delay taking care of your health. For many people, it’s easy to push their bodies to their limit day after day with nonstop work and unhealthy habits like smoking and drinking. However, all these might catch up with them, putting them at risk for life-threatening diseases such as cancer, heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and many more. With this, one shouldn’t procrastinate on taking care of his/her health. Start developing clean and healthy habits now like exercising at least 30 minutes a day, eating healthy, consuming enough water, and getting enough sleep. 

A health plan can protect you and your loved ones. Health problems can happen unexpectedly and medical expenses can become costly. That’s why it’s highly beneficial for an individual and his/her loved one to have a health plan to support them in case of medical emergencies. Some insurance policies can be bought directly online from the safety of your home. A good example of this is AXA Philippines’ Health Start Lite which can be purchased by simply logging on to https://www.axa.com.ph/healthstartlite/. This innovative insurance product provides policyholders and their loved ones with affordable health insurance coverage for the top three illnesses which are cancer, heart attack and stroke. Health Start Lite is available for a minimum monthly payment as low as P535 and with coverage options of P1 million, P1.5 million and P2 million for the top 3 critical illnesses. Policyholders can also avail of free teleconsultation 24/7 with AXA’s partner MyPocketDoctor from the safety of their homes, as a value-added service.

Find ways to promote physical and mental well-being. Amid these trying times, it’s important to find ways to improve one’s physical and mental well-being. One of the most effective ways to do so is through exercise. Studies show that sweating it out releases endorphins that trigger feelings of joy, contentment, and delight. Exercising regularly is one of the best ways to relieve stress and regulate emotions.

Sunlight impacts overall well-being. There’s truth to the expression “sunny disposition.” Sunlight is the best source of Vitamin D which modulates cell growth and aids in reducing inflammation. Even just five to 15 minutes of sunlight a few times a week will make a difference. Getting some sun also increases serotonin, which is believed to regulate mood and social behavior.

Good personal hygiene for better health. The ongoing pandemic has taught us to be more mindful of our hygiene. Now, we’re strongly encouraged to wash our hands regularly, take a bath every day, and wear protective gear when going out. Pandemic or not, good personal hygiene lowers one’s risk for diseases and illnesses related to viruses and bacteria. Having good hygiene is also key to preventing infection when wounds or skin irritations are present.

Now more than ever, it’s important to put your health first. Remembering these health lessons from AXA Philippines can be a good place to start. To know more about Health Start Lite, visit www.axa.com.ph. 

 

Olay Bodyscience is partnering up with Watsons and Robinsons to take the BL heartthrobs all over Philippine stores.

Fans have been waiting since forever for Bright Vachirawit and Win Metawin to be together again, and Olay BodyScience came through for the much-awaited moment.

Since Olay’s official announcement of the BL heartthrobs as official endorsers, Filipino fans have been well fed with BrightWin content — seen together again. The BL fandom power was felt when Olay Bodyscience products were flying off online and on shelves of stores during 11.11. As a gift, Olay gave Filipino fans with exclusive access to a BrightWin video that has never been seen before. 

Witness Bright and Win with Radiant Skin All Over PH

Many were already on the edge of their seats when the 11.11 celebration with BrightWin came out. Fans have since requested to see BrightWin displayed in stores — and Olay finally delivered.

If you’re one of the many BrightWin fans who are still craving, and wanting to see more content of them together, your BL wishes are granted.

Olay Bodyscience is partnering up with Watsons and Robinsons to take the BL heartthrobs all over Philippine stores. Yes! This means you can now finally see Bright and Win all over Olay Bodyscience shelves here in PH. Get your Olay Bodyscience radiant skin ready to take photos with the in-store ads of Bright and Win. 

      Win Metawin with Olay Bodyscience, as seen on one of the many shelves all over PH stores.

Join Bright and Win on their journey to radiant skin through Watsons payday weekends where they’ll be giving away a 20% discount off on all Olay Bodyscience body wash! If you’re one of the lucky few, you can also get P50 off on your purchase.

Bright and Win’s radiant skin is made possible with the help of Olay BodyScience body wash with Niacinamide. Its formula helps improve uneven skin tone, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten your skin, and minimize enlarged pores. Olay Bodyscience not only cleanses but also nourishes, giving you bright and radiant skin in just 28 days.

Here’s a sneak peak of Win’s photo that can be spotted in stores for Olay Bodyscience.

You’re one wash away from enjoying smooth and as radiant skin as Bright and Win. Shop the Olay Bodyscience Creme Bodywash Cleansing and Brightening through Watsons

The New Jollibee Ready to Cook Garlic Pepper Marinated Chicken gives you the flavorful experience of a restaurant-like meal!

Jollibee innovates with a new way to bring restaurant-quality food to Filipinos with an exciting and delicious new meal anyone can easily prepare at home. Presenting the New Jollibee Ready to Cook Garlic Pepper Marinated Chicken, a first from the Philippines’ top quick service restaurant chain.

 

Get ready to wow everyone at home with restaurant-quality chicken that absolutely hits the right spot. It also doesn’t take too much effort to make, which makes it perfect for those who have to balance making meals with everything else they have to do.

 

The New Jollibee Ready to Cook Garlic Pepper Marinated Chicken gives you the flavorful experience of a restaurant-like meal that you can quickly cook in the comfort of your own kitchen. This absolutely delicious chicken is marinated in tasty garlic pepper sauce, providing goodness that will delight the whole family and be their new favorite at home.

“Filipinos are looking for new food experiences and are excited to try new flavors,” said Cathleen Capati, AVP for Jollibee’s Bestsellers and Ready to Cook products. “That’s why we came up with an innovative new product in the Ready to Cook Marinated Chicken, something amazing that they can easily and quickly make at home.”

 

Preparing this meal is easy: It can be oven-baked by pre-heating the oven at 200 C and then baking for 25-30 minutes or until cooked, or pan-fried by pre-heating cooking oil and frying for around 15 minutes.

 

The New Jollibee Ready to Cook Garlic Pepper Marinated Chicken gives restaurant-quality goodness for P250. Starting December 1 in selected Metro Manila stores and coming soon to Provincial Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, you can have it safely delivered to you via the Jollibee Delivery App, JollibeeDelivery.com, and #87000! It’s also available via Drive-Thru and Take Out.

 

For more info and updates on Jollibee products, like Jollibee Philippines on Facebook, subscribe to Jollibee Studios on YouTube, and follow @jollibee on Twitter and Instagram.

Self-care in the new normal for stay-at-home moms

The new normal has changed the routines of families at home. With most family members working or attending classes from home, stay-at-home moms — who usually take the lead in taking care of the entire household — most likely has little time for herself.

 

To ease the feeling of being stressed or overworked, Solane, the country’s leading LPG solutions provider, shares these simple suggestions to help moms during this time:

 

Plan your day. It’s easy to lose track of time when the whole family is at home all the time, blurring the lines for school and work. It’s important to create a schedule to help moms establish a little control and structure especially during the pandemic. Planning ahead may prevent moms from feeling overwhelmed. 

 

Get everyone involved with meals. Make meal prep a family affair! Give each child a role that they can safely handle, such as washing or peeling the ingredients. While the teens can cut and take care of the plating, dad can check help with the preparation so everything is easier for moms to cook.

 

Share the load. House responsibilities become easier and less stressful when shared with family members. It also makes for a great bonding opportunity. Assign the kids some chores, like clearing the clutter, folding the clothes, and setting the table. And why not do the tasks to a little music or turn it into a game?

 

Prioritize me-time. Moms, or even parents in general, always put their kids first that they sometimes forget to take some time for themselves. However, with the ongoing pandemic, it has become even more important to look after’s one’s physical and mental well-being. Include “me time” in the daily schedule, and take that opportunity to relax with a book, meditate, or exercise. Being physically and mentally healthy allows moms to be their best selves.   

 

Connect with fellow moms. Sometimes there are certain struggles that only moms would understand. During this period, it’s important for moms to find like-minded friends that they can connect to through video conference sites or online mommy groups. Exchanging advice or sharing stories and laughs can keep their spirits up and motivate them during the pandemic.

 

Ease the tension. It’s likely that everyone in the family is tense because of the ongoing crisis. Before any issues start to blow over, try sitting down as a family to discuss problems and see how they can be addressed together. Also remember to be flexible and ease up on the rules every once in a while.

 

Moms deserve to take care of themselves too, even more so now. And they can do so with these simple suggestions from Solane.

 

 

realme X50 Pro 5G to launch via Smart Signature Plan on December 03!

realme Philippines, the country’s number 1 smartphone brand, is leaping to the next gen of realme devices with the launch of its very first 5G-ready smartphone in the country -- the realme X50 Pro 5G. The latest flagship killer from realme will be available through Smart Signature postpaid. The launch will be broadcasted via live stream on realme Philippines’ official Facebook page on December 3 at 6:00 p.m.

 

realme X50 Pro 5G’s availability via Smart Signature is the introductory project for realme and Smart Communications’ recently forged partnership. Headlining the launch of the postpaid availability of realme X50 Pro 5G is the flagship killer’s ambassador -- cosplay royalty, top YouTuber and gaming champ Alodia Gosiengfiao. As a trailblazer and game changer in her many fields of work, Alodia embodies realme’s own grit and youthful spirit by consistently showing how vigor, passion and dedication can propel one’s journey to success.

 

The realme X50 Pro 5G is powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 865 5G processor, the world's most advanced mobile platform featuring the industry-leading 5G Modem-RF System. It also goes big on other departments, packing a 64-megapixel quad-camera module, a 6.44-inch Full High Definition Super AMOLED display with a refresh rate of 90Hz, and a 65W SuperDart Charge technology.

 

To be announced alongside the postpaid launch of the realme X50 Pro 5G is the availability of the latest AIoT devices from realme: the realme Watch S and Buds Air Pro. The realme Watch S, touted as the best round smartwatch in the market, has a top-level sensor from Goodix which supports 24-hour uninterrupted and real-time heart rate monitoring and up to 16 kinds of sports monitoring and health functions. The latest smart audio device from realme, the realme Buds Pro, is a highly competitive noise-cancelling wireless buds equipped with the new and customized S1 high-performance noise cancellation chip.

 

realme Fans are encouraged to tune in on the livestream launch of the three devices on December 3 at 6:00 p.m. to get a chance of bagging special prizes from realme. Get real-time updates on other promos and announcements from realme Philippines on its official Facebook and Instagram accounts.

 

Safeguard continues with their commitment to strengthen the handwashing practice of Filipinos by building Handwashing Hubs in public spaces

After Safeguard Philippines’ successful launch and run of the #SafeWash Movement, the brand continues with their commitment to strengthen the handwashing practice of Filipinos. The brand ensures that the knowledge on proper handwashing is met with work on ensuring there is hand hygiene access for Filipinos. With millions of Filipinos all over the country that still don’t have proper access to handwashing facilities, Safeguard partnered with Manila Water Foundation (MWF) to construct handwashing facilities all over Metro Manila; to add to the list of handwashing facilities they have built throughout the years. 

A handwashing facility built under the #WASHinPandemic program in Pasig City.

Handwashing facilities are dispersed in public health centers, gymnasiums, markets, and transport terminals all over the metro, specifically in Pasig City, Marikina City, San Juan City, Mandaluyong City, Taguig City, and in the municipality of Pateros.

Another handwashing facility installed in Marikina City under the WASH in Pandemic program.

 

 

This is an addition to a 2019 sink construction project done by Procter & Gamble Philippines in Metro Manila that benefitted 50,000 Filipino students. Since the formation of P&G and MWF’s partnership last year, they have built handwashing facilities in 32 public schools nationwide. Through this project, Safeguard Philippines and MWF hope to ensure that as businesses reopen, Filipinos are able to cope and practice a SAFE new normal nationwide.

Hygiene kits containing Safeguard products were distributed during the inauguration of the handwashing facilities.

 “It is our responsibility to help safeguard the health of every Filipino, particularly through handwashing. As business reopen and as quarantines ease up, we are helping build a SAFER new normal by ensuring that Filipinos have both the knowledge to practice a #SafeWash, and the facilities to be able to do so. With the right resources and the right soap, we aim to help curb improper handwashing in the Philippines”, said Gian Yap, Brand Director of Safeguard Philippines, P&G.

With the millions of Filipinos who participated in the #SafeWashMovement campaign, it has proven to be a success for Safeguard’s mission in mobilizing Filipinos to practice and maintain a safer Philippines. Yet, this is just the beginning of a greater mission for Safeguard, after bearing the success from the movement.  

Safeguard’s Continuous Effort in Keeping Filipinos SAFE

For more than 54 years, Safeguard has been consistent with their support through providing significant change to the health and safety of the Philippines. 

Safeguard has also partnered with SM Supermalls, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, and WalterMart to provide soap in malls nationwide. To provide safer transactions for day-to-day deliveries, Safeguard also locked in a partnership with Shopee by equipping 6,000 riders of the Shopee Express fleet with Safeguard hand sanitizers to keep deliveries safe. Even when running water and soap are not available, riders can still effectively practice proper hygiene through disinfection of their hands and parcels. 

Safeguard’s mission in providing Filipinos proper hand hygiene education and access to handwashing facilities continues beyond the #SafeWash Movement. Through Safeguard’s power to eliminate 99.9% of germs, and Filipinos’ active participation in #SafeWash handwashing practices, we are one handwash away to a #SAFEPhilippines. 

Find out more about Safeguard’s SAFE Philippines mission by sending an inquiry on Safeguard’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/SafeguardPhilippines

Claudia releases latest single, "Conflicted"

Sometimes in love we are left with choices that could make us free and happy or leave us chained and regretful. Sometimes it’s having to choose between following your heart or being rational. And sometimes, it’s the easiest choice that makes the hardest step to take.

Following her successful and most talked-about performance alongside International Group OneRepublic on their latest hit “Better Days”, Claudia continues to make waves as she drops her latest single, “Conflicted”.

Claudia proves to be one of the emerging contemporary R&B hitmakers of her generation with her latest release “Conflicted” now available on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Deezer, and all digital stores worldwide under Universal Records.

"Conflicted" is featured in 8 New Music Friday Playlists: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam

Links:

"Conflicted" on Spotify https://spoti.fi/39kduCa

"Conflicted" on Apple Music https://apple.co/3l7lyII

"Conflicted" Lyric video  https://youtu.be/kdd12NFGEh8 

CreativeFest NOW! served as a venue to recognize some of the most influential names in Philippine advertising

Stories of all shapes and sizes took center stage at the largest gathering of creative professionals in the country, CreativeFest NOW! which happened last November 19 to 21. 

 

With the theme “Stories Don’t Stop,” this year’s CreativeFest was attended by almost 1,600 participants who saw and heard some of the world’s top creative minds discuss how they are harnessing creativity to transform the world. 

 

The event marked a significant shift from how it’s usually done. With the country still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, the event took place online and was made publicly available for free. The entire event remains available online and can be accessed on-demand for a limited period. Those who missed CreativeFest NOW! only need to create an account through this link to be able to stream the talks from the said event.

 

Organized by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As) and the Creative Guild of the Philippines (Creative Guild), an organization composed of the creative directors of 4As member-agencies, CreativeFest NOW! featured more than 40 speakers from various disciplines that are changing how we approach creativity, especially today in the context of our current struggles against this once-in-a-century health crisis. 

 

“This is a celebration of the now and the relevant. Amidst the impossible odds, amidst the challenges, we are right here, right now for each other, for creativity,” Rey Tiempo, Chief Creative Officer of VMLY&R and the President of the Creative Guild of the Philippines, said.

 

“We have hit on a theme that is relevant to our times, that is relevant to what we are going through, and that will show you how you can make a difference in your work and in the work that we produce for our clients day after day,” 4As Chairman and BBDO Guerrero Creative Chairman, David Guerrero adds.

Merlee Jayme, global president of dentsumcgarrybowen, zeroed in on the transformative power of creativity and how it’s being utilized to address some of the problems we are facing today.

 

The first day of the event started with a keynote speech from Merlee Jayme, president of the newly formed global agency dentsumcgarrybowen. In her speech, she discussed the importance of harnessing creativity to address the challenges we face today.

 

“Stories indeed don’t stop, even in times of uncertainty. Lockdowns have unlocked the greatest ideas, masked faces have displayed the biggest emotions, and zero travels have inspired the wildest imaginations. Closed businesses have opened new, untapped ones. The craziness of the year has pushed us to create crazy stories and ideas,” Jayme notes.

Morten Bonde, LEGO senior art director, delivered the keynote remarks for the second day of CreativeFest NOW! and discussed how he overcame self-doubt and harnessed creativity.

 

During the second day of the event, Morten Bonde, senior art director of the Lego Group delivered the keynote address, focusing on his battle against self-doubt brought about by his disability and how he overcame it by reframing how he looked at things and focusing on his commitment to excellence.

 

Bonde also shared how stories have a transformational role in the lives of so many people. “Stories can bring people together and stories can bypass the analytical filters of your mind and go straight to your heart. You know what? Stories with impact are not remembered in the brain, they are remembered in the heart.”

 

Taiwan’s Digital Minister Audrey Tang shared with the audience of CreativeFest NOW! some of the tools she employed to help combat disinformation about the pandemic.

 

During the third day, Taiwan’s Digital Minister Audrey Tang delivered an inspiring talk on how she has been able to harness data and technology to make Taiwan one of the most successful countries against the Coronavirus outbreak. Utilizing humor to combat rumors that poisoned public discourse surrounding COVID-19, Tang was able to use memes and other forms of funny and engaging content to educate the public and reinforce the message of health experts in the country.

 

A self-described “poetician”, Tang also explained how her love of poetry influenced how she designed government communications amid the pandemic. Arming herself with alliterations and rhymes, she made communication material that clicked and captured the imagination of the public.

 

“Messages, when they are poetic, they take a life of their own. In the mind of each receiver they become not just a communication message but something like a seed of a new idea. Those ideas can then grow and remix into their own stories,” Tang furthered.

 

She also shared her job description as a simple reminder to all creatives, now that the creative industry becomes more digital and data-driven.  

 

“When we see the internet of things, let’s make it the internet of beings. When we see virtual reality, let’s make it a shared reality. When we see machine learning, let’s make it collaborative learning. When we see user experience, let’s make it about human experience. Whenever we hear that the ‘singularity is near,’ let us always remember that plurality is here,” Tang adds. 

 

Aside from Jayme, Bonde, and Tang, other creative giants delivered informative, insightful, and inspiring talks: Dumb Ways To Die creator John Mescall; the makers of culture-shaping and award-winning works from Libresse and AMV BBDO, Nadja Lossgott and Nicholas Hulley; one of Esquire’s Most Influential People of the 21st Century, John Maeda; internet sensation Macoy Dubs; Filipino-American storyboard artist and director, Jay Oliva;  the man behind the Secret Base, Calvin Cuevas; and many more shared their stories during the three-day event. 

 

In addition to bringing three days of learning, CreativeFest NOW! also served as a venue to recognize some of the most influential names in Philippine advertising. Eugene Demata and Dave Ferrer, two legends that the industry lost in the past year, were the recipients of the 2020 Lifetime Achievement Award for their industry-defining contributions to advertising. Meanwhile, Cristina Sanchez, Deputy Creative Director of Wunderman Thompson and Aste Gutierrez, Creative Director of TBWA\Chiat\Day New York, were inducted into the Creative Guild Hall of Fame, joining a venerable list of creative heavyweights. 

 

CreativeFest NOW! was also a place for giving, especially to the disadvantaged members of the industry and those affected by Typhoon Ulysses. The event benefits Aidvertising, a fund-raising activity for daily-wage earners working in the industry who were displaced by the pandemic and the quarantine measures, and the United Nations Children’s Fund, which is working to address the needs of affected communities devastated by the most recent typhoon. 

 

CreativeFest NOW! was presented by the 4As, the Creative Guild, Smart, and PMFTC. The event is sponsored by Nescafe, ABS-CBN, BBDO Guerrero, Cignal, Coca-Cola, ManuLife, Oishi, Dentsu JaymeSyfu, foodpanda, Grey Manila, Hi-Precision Diagnostics, Propel Manila, McDonald’s, The Huddle Room, TBWA\ Santiago Mangada Puno, Wunderman Thompson, and Wilkins Distilled Water. It is organized in partnership with Grupo Agatep, Adobo Magazine, Mesh Lab, and Google.

 

For more information about 4As, please visit www.4asphilippines.com and like and follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/4asPhilippines.

 

Share kindness now by sharing your points for good to Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, and World Vision

It is a thought collectively recognized that the year 2020 has caught people by surprise. Different obstacles, from natural calamities to a widespread health hazard, have left many Filipinos in a painstaking situation to make ends meet. But it is also in moments like this when people see various bayanihan organizations and individuals unite for good, to help vulnerable members of society recover and thrive.

 

Lifestyle rewards program GetGo, in partnership with Cebu Pacific, has established “Points for Good” — a corporate social responsibility (CSR) campaign that supports the various causes of its partner organizations, including COVID-19 pandemic support and disaster relief operations.

 

Through the Points for Good campaign, GetGo members can choose to donate their GetGo points to any of the program’s partner organizations, namely: Philippine Red Cross, UNICEF, and World Vision. EveryJuan can take part in alleviating the plight of many Filipinos by donating until January 15, 2021.

 

Those who want to share their points for good can do so by downloading the GetGo mobile app on Google Play or App Store. Members can log-in to the app, select their preferred denomination, then choose the organization to which they want to donate to. The total donated GetGo points will be matched by the Philippines’ leading carrier, Cebu Pacific, so it may provide flights to support relief operations of the respective organizations to further reach communities in need. 

 

Talking about the scope that people’s donations can have an impact on,  Senator Richard J. Gordon, Chairman and CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, shared that, “The Philippine Red Cross is the country’s premier humanitarian organization committed to lead the fight against COVID-19, natural disasters, and countless emergencies. Your generosity, through the Points for Good, can help us save more lives and rebuild communities.”

 

By using their earned points, GetGo members are presented with an alternative way of donating without pulling out a currency, yet still creating a positive contribution and championing various advocacies. “Thanks to our long-standing partnership with GetGo and Cebu Pacific, the Points for Good donations will contribute to our ongoing response to COVID-19 and other natural calamities,” shared UNICEF Philippines Representative Oyunsaikhan Dendevnorov.

 

“We thank GetGo and Cebu Pacific for supporting World Vision through their Points for Good campaign,” said Rommel Fuerte, National Director for World Vision Development Foundation, Inc. “It is our prayer that as one nation, we remain stronger together for the most vulnerable children.”

 

“We are more than happy to be able to support yet another worthy and timely cause. We thank all our partners for their continued trust and together, we enjoin everyJuan to donate points that will go a long way in helping our nation rise and come out stronger amid this crisis,” said Candice Iyog, Vice President for Marketing & Customer Experience.

 

As the nation battles yet another challenging time, every act of kindness — big or small — counts. Share kindness now by sharing your points for good via the GetGo app available on Google Play and App Store.

 

Bayad Center broadens financial service accessibility through RCBC’s ATM Go terminals

As partners in giving Filipinos greater accessibility to financial services, CIS Bayad Center, Inc. and Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) continue to deploy ATM Go terminals, the bank’s handheld ATM facility that allows basic banking automated teller machines (ATM) services such as cash withdrawal, fund transfer, and balance inquiry to BancNet cardholders.

 

Recognizing the rising need for more convenient financial transactions in the new normal, the partners are expediting the set-up of 300 ATM Go terminals by the end of the year. Currently, ATM Go services are available in select Bayad Center branches in Metro Manila, Abra, Albay, Antique, Aurora, Bataan, Benguet, Bohol, Bukidnon, Bulacan, Cagayan, Cavite, Cebu, Davao Del Sur, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Iloilo, Isabela, La Union, Laguna, Lanao Del Norte, Leyte, Mountain Province, Negros Occidental, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Pampanga, Quezon, Rizal, South Cotabato, Tarlac, Western Samar, and Zamboanga Del Sur.

Since the joint service rolled out, it has benefitted numerous customers especially those living in remote locations and have limited access to physical or digital financial platforms. In the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga and Cavite for example, the ATM Go has been a widely used payout platform for the beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps). Endorsed by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in April, ATM Go is also utilized by the Department for the offsite payment facilitation of the conditional cash transfer program and pension for indigent senior citizens.

 

“We are pleased that ATM Go is being utilized as an alternative platform for government aid in various areas. In this time of crisis, delivering meaningful financial transactions are critical in easing the burden of many Filipinos. RCBC continues to create banking innovations that can help surmount the challenges of quarantine restrictions and health risks.” said Mr. Lito Villanueva, RCBC executive vice president and chief financial inclusion and innovation officer. Moreover, ATM Go is set to be a standard service to Bayad Center branches soon.

 

According to Mr. Lawrence Ferrer, President and CEO of Bayad Center, “With synergized network and technology, Bayad Center and RCBC are able to reach out to more Filipinos and enable them to make financial transactions with increased ease and efficiency.” As one of RCBC’s partners for its DiskarTech Lite Disbursement Platform, Bayad Center also contributed to the payout service of DSWD’s second tranche of emergency cash aid.

 

As the most trusted payment authority in the country, Bayad Center now has 40,000 payment touchpoints nationwide and handles more than 10 million transactions every month. The company has been growing its portfolio of services, which now goes beyond payments and include domestic and international remittance, insurance sales, medical reimbursement, airline ticketing, ATM cash withdrawal, loan disbursement, airtime loading and more.

 

For partnership inquiries, kindly email us at billeronboarding@bayadcenter.com.